By Lesley Walsh
A TRIO of local traditional musicians are preparing for a memorable time at the world’s largest festival of Irish music next month.
Singer songwriter Brendan Monaghan, who has been recording and bringing his music to fans all over the globe for many years, is to be joined for his set at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast by fellow Bangor musicians, Niall McClean on fiddle, and Amanda Agnew on backing vocals.
The hotly anticipated event, colloquially known as the All Ireland Fleadh, marks the 50th anniversary year of the Ards CCÉ, the Irish music and dance cultural organisation, and takes place in the city from August 2- 9.
Brendan, who has released nine albums, has never before appeared at the Fleadh and told the Spectator he is ‘very excited’ about his debut, which will take place in the Ulster Hall.
Having shared the stage with top international acts and written material for several recording artists, his musicality and voice have received rave reviews, being coined ‘one of Ireland’s unsung song smiths’, and a performer of electrifying energy and enthusiasm. Brendan’s music has been described as evoking the best elements of classic folk rock, singer songwriter artistry and Irishfolksensibilities.
The musician, who plays the bodhrán, but mainly guitar told the Spectator: “I’ve played in the Ulster Fleadh and the Down
Fleadh but this is my first time at the All-Ireland Fleadh, so it’s a big thing for me.
“I have played at many big festivals over the years but the All-Ireland Fleadh is probably the biggest festival in the world, with probably up to 800,000 people expected to attend.”
The global stage he faces next month means it’s all systems go at the moment.
“There are so many artists who are involved so it’s a pretty short set but there’s still a good bit of preparation involved and we’ve been rehearsing, Niall and Amanda and myself.
Amanda’s is a seasoned voice whose skills have been compared to no less than Karen Carpenter.
A singer-songwriter in her own right, Amanda has been writing and performing music since 2011, and has featured in live performances across the UK, and at Nashville’s Bluebird Café alongside industry greats
Described as a ‘blue-eyed soul’, who has opened for acts like Jenn Bostic, Level 42 and The Waterboys, Amanda has released two EPs and is set to debut her album, The Moon and Me.
Also new to the experience of the Fleadh, Amanda admitted she was very excited about the prospect of ‘something a bit different from what I normally do’.
“Brian just asked me, knowing me from the circuit and it’s such a different, unique experience,” she said. “I don’t have a traditional background but that’s what makes it more interesting and exciting.
“Brendan’s style would be quite singer songwriter, with traditional elements, which is not really that far from what I do, and I’ve sung harmonies with a number of people, and it’s something I’d really like to do,” she added.
Not only is she looking forward to the novelty of the Fleadh, the venue also marks off an ambition on her career bucket list.
“It’s really exciting because I have always wanted to play there, at the Ulster Hall, so this is a great opportunity.
“I’ve never played with Niall before either so that will be something else, too; it’ll be really cool,” she said.
Accompanying them on the fiddle will be Niall McClean, who hails from the well-known McClean family of musicians.
Niall, who has been playing Irish traditional music for more than 40 years, said appearing at the event is a ‘dream come true’.
“The music, the craic, the buzz, the atmosphere on the streets will be second to none,” said Niall, who is co-chair of the organising committee, alongside his wife Bronagh, with whom he has a family of very musically talented children, who regularly play at the Fleadh south of the border.
“We’re looking forward to seeing it on our doorstep,” said Niall, whose musical roots stem from his childhood, coming from a home where his mother was a music teacher and his father, also a player.
“There were seven children in the house, we all played so there was always music in the house. It was always in my blood really from an early age.
“Myself and Bronagh started classes in Bangor about 20 years ago. It was just to give a chance to young musicians to come together – and we now have some of those kids teaching with us.”
